The ICMM-CSIC participates in APE2SOL, a new technology to revolutionize the photovoltaic market

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Developing a new, extremely thin and light photovoltaic technology that can be implemented in a multitude of devices, from window panes to clothing, is the objective of APE2SOL, a project developed by a consortium involving researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the Autonomous University of Madrid, and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) through the Materials Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC). This project was recently awarded a prize by the Naturgy Foundation.

The project ‘Anomalous photovoltaic effects for 2-dimensional solar cells (APE2SOL)’ presents a revolutionary approach to solar photovoltaic power generation by combining cutting-edge two-dimensional materials with an unconventional operating principle based on the anomalous photovoltaic effect (APE), as a basis for future generations of solar cells.

Elisa Antolín, from the UPM, says: “The project's objective is to develop, through the use of two-dimensional materials, a new photovoltaic technology that is extremely thin, lightweight, and, if desired, semi-transparent. This technology can be implemented on virtually any surface, from window panes to textile devices, to generate renewable electricity anywhere. The project will contribute to local electricity generation, for example, in urban environments, which represents one of the major challenges of decarbonization.”

The problem is that, although solar energy has experienced significant growth in recent years, it has many limitations with current technologies: "It's an energy that is rigid, expensive to manufacture, and also has limited efficiency," explains Juan José Palacios, a researcher at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Through this project, researchers seek to use materials already known in industrial settings, such as molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide, which can reduce their thickness. This could benefit solar devices that could become ultra-thin and have less energy loss.

More consistent and cost-effective photovoltaic energy

“Unlike conventional solar cells, which rely on the formation of PN ions in semiconductors, devices based on the anomalous photovoltaic effect generate electricity within a homogeneous material, which favors more constant and stable energy generation,” explains Jorge Quereda, a researcher at the Materials Science Institute of Madrid.

“Our work, both experimentally and theoretically, and using computer simulations, is pioneering in the field,” concludes UPM researcher Simon Svatek.

A project recognized by the Naturgy Foundation

The APE2SOL project was recently recognized in the latest edition of the awards granted by the Naturgy Foundation and the CISC. The jury highlighted the winning project's unconventional and promising approach to photovoltaics, such as APE in 2D materials, with great disruptive potential in the field of renewable energy, thus contributing to generating results with significant academic impact and paving the way for technology transfer. "Despite being in an early technological phase, the proposal aims to significantly advance its maturity over the two-year duration of the project," states the jury's decision.

For the researchers, receiving this distinction represents "a very special recognition of our work, given that it comes from a foundation related to the energy production sector. It gives us the opportunity to advance from our theoretical and experimental work toward a prototype close to final application of a technology that we believe can greatly contribute to clean and distributed energy generation."

The award comes with a prize of €100,000, which will allow the research team, with a distinguished scientific track record and significant international collaborations, to continue advancing the development of this project they began together two years ago.